<\/span><\/h2>\nServiceNow is a cloud-based digital workflow automation platform.\u00a0There are over a dozen\u00a0ServiceNow modules<\/strong>, which companies use to automate various business processes, such as:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n- ServiceNow ITSM\u00a0<\/li>\n
- ServiceNow ITBM\u00a0<\/li>\n
- ServiceNow HRSD\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
All of\u00a0ServiceNow\u2019s products are built into the\u00a0Now\u00a0Platform<\/strong>.\u00a0It is a unified platform to access ServiceNow offerings through\u00a0a\u00a0single source.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/span>What does a ServiceNow\u00a0Developer do?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\nA ServiceNow Developer\u00a0is a professional\u00a0who builds and customizes various solutions\u00a0on the ServiceNow platform.\u00a0The developer is someone who designs, codes, and\u00a0troubleshoots\u00a0challenges<\/strong> in<\/strong> ServiceNow<\/strong> applications and technologies.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\nConcomitantly, that requires\u00a0a ServiceNow Developer to work with upper management to gather business goals and create technical solutions to achieve them.\u00a0<\/p>\n
<\/span>ServiceNow Developer roles and responsibilities\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\nA ServiceNow Developer\u2019s work goes beyond just coding.\u00a0Yes, they are software\u00a0developers basically, but\u00a0they wear many hats.\u00a0They are also problem solvers,\u00a0platform\u00a0architects, and\u00a0above all, excellent\u00a0communicators.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Here is what a day in the life of\u00a0a\u00a0ServiceNow Developer looks like:\u00a0<\/p>\n
<\/span>1. Application development\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n<\/ol>\nThe first thing that\u00a0you\u2019ll\u00a0see on any ServiceNow Developer job description is custom application development. Despite the extensive network of built-in apps, businesses\u00a0require\u00a0custom ServiceNow apps<\/strong>\u00a0to automate their unique workflows.\u00a0<\/p>\nServiceNow Developers\u00a0build or\u00a0customize\u00a0apps or components on the Now Platform\u00a0using platform-specific tools and scripting.\u00a0<\/p>\n
<\/span>2. Process automation\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n<\/ol>\nAlthough\u00a0ServiceNow\u00a0is\u00a0entering into\u00a0other ventures like ServiceNow CRM is expected to challenge the supremacy of Salesforce,\u00a0workflow automation\u00a0remains\u00a0the platform\u2019s\u00a0forte and the reason why\u00a0enterprises<\/strong> choose ServiceNow<\/strong>, so far. ServiceNow\u00a0Developers design flows to automate tasks, approvals, reminders, and all\u00a0other\u00a0repetitive\u00a0tasks that require\u00a0manual effort.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\nFor example, a developer can design a workflow in ServiceNow ITSM to automatically read and\u00a0route thousands of support tickets daily. This will save the service team quite a lot of time that can be spent more productively elsewhere, including on their work-life balance.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
<\/span>3. Platform maintenance\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n<\/ol>\nServiceNow releases two major updates each year, namely the Vancouver and Washington, D.C. updates. These updates can cause existing apps and customizations to crash due to changes in the platform. Here, a ServiceNow Developer often works in tandem with ServiceNow Admins to ensure everything keeps working as usual.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Administrators\u00a0maintain\u00a0many of the important routine functions, but it is the developer who\u00a0is responsible for\u00a0the platform\u2019s overall health. A ServiceNow Developer fixes anything that breaks and\u00a0properly installs\u00a0upgrades or patches for secure and reliable transformation.\u00a0<\/p>\n
<\/span>4. Integration\u00a0development\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n<\/ol>\nDeveloping and managing ServiceNow integration with other enterprise software like\u00a0PLM<\/strong>, CRM, and ERP is an important part of a ServiceNow Developer\u2019s job.\u00a0The developer must make sure that different platforms can smoothly exchange data with ServiceNow, whether\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0through built-in features or some\u00a0middleware software<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/span>5. Training and\u00a0collaboration\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n<\/ol>\n\u201cThe world works with ServiceNow\u201d\u00a0<\/em>is the\u00a0company\u2019s\u00a0slogan. And\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0not\u00a0really far-fetched\u00a0to say,\u00a0because people from all backgrounds use it in different business settings.\u00a0That is why people reach out to\u00a0ServiceNow consulting companies<\/strong>\u00a0to\u00a0automate\u00a0various processes.\u00a0Therefore, a ServiceNow Developer is also expected to train\u00a0technical and non-technical users within the organization on how to use the platform.\u00a0<\/p>\nThis can\u00a0involve conducting training sessions, answering queries, and preparing\u00a0documentation\u00a0so everyone knows what goes where.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
<\/span>Essential ServiceNow Developer skills to have\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\nSkills pay your bills\u00a0as a ServiceNow application developer. There are certain\u00a0skills\u00a0that you\u00a0need to master\u00a0if you want to excel in your ServiceNow career.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
The following ServiceNow Developer skills, both hard and soft,\u00a0are essential to land a job anywhere in the world.\u00a0<\/p>\n
<\/span>1. Hard skills\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\nAs mentioned earlier,\u00a0this is\u00a0basically\u00a0a\u00a0software development role.\u00a0That is why these\u00a0technical\u00a0skills will appear in\u00a0ServiceNow\u00a0Developer\u00a0interview questions,\u00a0anywhere\u00a0you go.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n- A developer must know\u00a0the ServiceNow platform\u00a0like\u00a0the back of their hand.\u00a0Developers must be able to navigate the user interface and know how to use ServiceNow Studio, UI Builder, and other built-in tools.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n
- \u201cFluency\u201d\u00a0in\u00a0JavaScript. It is the primary scripting\u00a0language\u00a0used in ServiceNow.\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Experience\u00a0with\u00a0Glide, which\u00a0is a set of JavaScript-based APIs.\u00a0It is\u00a0the primary way to interact with the database and\u00a0is\u00a0fundamental to ServiceNow development.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Expertise\u00a0in using\u00a0web technologies like HTML, CSS, and XML. ServiceNow is fundamentally a web-based platform that delivers\u00a0through standard\u00a0web <\/strong>technologies.\u00a0Familiarity with other web development tools like .NET and AJAX is a plus.\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Knowledge of ITSM and ITIL processes and best\u00a0practices.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Fully proficient in using REST and SOAP APIs to integrate ServiceNow with other systems\u00a0<\/li>\n
- A strong understanding of\u00a0Agile\u00a0or Scrum methodologies is crucial\u00a0because most\u00a0situations require\u00a0DevOps<\/strong>-like workflows for ServiceNow.\u00a0<\/li>\n
- ServiceNow relies heavily on structured data. Therefore, a ServiceNow Developer must know data management using\u00a0SQL\u00a0and MySQL.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/span>2. Soft skills\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\nA ServiceNow Developer must also have\u00a0these\u00a0non-technical skills,\u00a0even if they\u00a0aren\u2019t\u00a0explicitly mentioned\u00a0in\u00a0the job description.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n- Communication skills are a given because ServiceNow developers work closely with business analysts, process owners, and end users. They must be able to clearly\u00a0communicate\u00a0technical concepts to non-technical audiences.\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Analytical and problem-solving\u00a0skills\u00a0are a ServiceNow Developer\u2019s trump card.\u00a0Anytime they get struck in a ServiceNow project, they need to go into Sherlock mode to find the root cause and\u00a0troubleshoot issues.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n
- ServiceNow Developers must be excellent at\u00a0project and time management<\/strong>. That means meeting deadlines, avoiding delays, and prioritizing\u00a0tasks based on their importance.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Remote ServiceNow Developer jobs are quite popular. That is why a developer\u00a0should have the ability and discipline to work\u00a0independently\u00a0whenever it is\u00a0required.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Employers\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0look for an MBA when they hire ServiceNow Developers, but having\u00a0a rudimentary\u00a0understanding of business concepts\u00a0wouldn\u2019t\u00a0hurt.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/span>How to become a ServiceNow Developer\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\nBecoming a ServiceNow certified application developer is not rocket science, but\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0not\u00a0a walk in the park either. To become a ServiceNow Developer and\u00a0actually land\u00a0a job,\u00a0you\u2019ll\u00a0need to put in effort, time, and\u00a0the\u00a0ability to learn new things.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
<\/span>Do you need a degree?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\nWe\u2019re\u00a0not going to beat around the bush. Yes, some employers do require ServiceNow Developers to have a background in computer science or IT degrees. These degrees equip you with the foundational knowledge that\u00a0you\u2019ll\u00a0use a lot in your job.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
However, if going back to college is not an option for you, ServiceNow Developer Certification is your rite of passage in this field.\u00a0You\u2019ll\u00a0need to get certified anyway, even with a degree, but without a degree, the entry barriers just become higher. To make up for your lack of formal education,\u00a0you\u2019ll\u00a0need to back up your certification with work experience.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
We\u2019ll\u00a0explain all of that in this step-by-step roadmap on how to become a ServiceNow Developer.\u00a0<\/p>\n
<\/span>1. Grasp the\u00a0basics of ServiceNow\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n<\/ol>\nYour ServiceNow Developer training begins by\u00a0completely\u00a0immersing yourself\u00a0in\u00a0the platform.\u00a0Understand what ServiceNow is used for, its different modules, the Now Platform structure,\u00a0navigation, and any supporting material that is relevant.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
We recommended YouTube to learn about the basics. And if you want more first-hand knowledge, then the ServiceNow Community is\u00a0an\u00a0excellent platform to\u00a0get started.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
<\/span>2. Learn how to code\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n<\/ol>\nYou\u00a0might have noticed that\u00a0you\u2019ll\u00a0be doing a lot of programming in this role. Therefore, learn how to code.\u00a0It is now easier than ever before with AI-powered vibe coding. Enroll in a coding bootcamp, do\u00a0a\u00a0free course\u00a0online,\u00a0or just play around with any language.\u00a0Anything to get you\u00a0hooked.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
<\/span>3. Join ServiceNow University\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n<\/ol>\nServiceNow University<\/strong>\u00a0is the platform\u2019s official learning hub for\u00a0anything\u00a0ServiceNow-related. We recommend that, before getting into development, you try to complete as many\u00a0Career\u00a0Journey paths.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\nThey teach you\u00a0different aspects\u00a0of the platform through interactive and brainstorming activities, which extend beyond development. Moreover, it also opens other ServiceNow careers if you feel that development\u00a0isn\u2019t\u00a0for you.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
But do remember that completing a Career Journey path\u00a0won\u2019t\u00a0earn you a certification.\u00a0You\u2019ll\u00a0need to study the relevant course and pass an exam for that.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
<\/span>4. Create a ServiceNow Developer\u00a0account\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n<\/ol>\nGo to developer.servicenow.com<\/strong> to create a free ServiceNow developer instance. Your ServiceNow personal developer instance is your\u00a0sandbox\u00a0where\u00a0you can practice your\u00a0development skills using the platform.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\nIt lets you learn, practice, build, and test applications without breaking anything. In fact, we recommend that you try to break things and fix them on your own.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
<\/span>5. ServiceNow certification\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n<\/ol>\nCertifications boost your credibility. You can begin your\u00a0ServiceNow\u00a0certification\u00a0by logging into ServiceNow University.\u00a0You\u2019ll\u00a0find\u00a0all\u00a0the essential\u00a0learning\u00a0material and guidance on how to\u00a0become a certified professional.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
The more certifications you\u00a0have, the stronger\u00a0your\u00a0ServiceNow Developer resume will be.\u00a0ServiceNow\u00a0Certified Application Developer (CAD) is the official\u00a0credential you need to break into development. However, ServiceNow Certified System Administrator (CSA)\u00a0is a prerequisite\u00a0to\u00a0get into more advanced courses like CAD.\u00a0So, you need to pass both\u00a0CSA\u00a0and CAD.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
These are some\u00a0additional\u00a0Certified Implementation Specialist (CIS)\u00a0courses\u00a0that\u2019ll\u00a0make you stand out:\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n- ServiceNow\u00a0CIS\u00a0\u2013 IT Service Management\u00a0<\/li>\n
- ServiceNow\u00a0CIS\u00a0\u2013 HRSD\u00a0<\/li>\n
- ServiceNow CIS \u2013 Discovery\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n